If you’re ever attending any big events, always be on the lookout for casting calls that may be happening at those events.  Casting Directors often attend events if they’re working on a reality or documentary show that has a lot of casting needs.  I’ve attended many events in seek of a cast at places such as concerts, horse competitions, tattoo conventions, restaurant conventions, and the list goes on. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re an actor and you have several TV or Film credits to your name, it’s important to make sure there’s a way for people to find you that may be interested in booking you.  You’d be surprised how difficult it can be to find an actor’s correct representation.  I am currently casting an indie SAG film and trying to reach out to agents of several actors.  The more popular actors are much easier to track down than some of the lessor known actors. Here are some tips to help you get found by casting pros: Read the rest of this entry »

Being an actor is a very tough profession: You have to have very thick skin and get used to dealing with a lot of rejection.  Not everyone is cut out for it and there may be a lot of people in your life who discourage you from pursuing it when times get rough.  You may book a job and be given a certain role and then find that lines are taken away from you and the role is re-written after your first rehearsal.  Or, you may book a pilot and then find that they chose not to bring you on as part of the cast when it goes to series.   All of these things will feel like a slap in the face.  But it’s all part of the profession and you will have to find a way to deal with the rejection with your head held high or you may not be cut out for it. Read the rest of this entry »

Do you ever sit down and think about how you view yourself?  Do you think of yourself as successful, middle of the road, or a failure?  Do you represent yourself with confidence and pride, or do you think you’re just as good as anyone else out there?  If you think you’re full of potential then you will be seen that way in the eyes of others.  When you’re looking for gigs, you shouldn’t feel like you are unqualified for anything: visualize success and it will come to you. Read the rest of this entry »

If you get called for an audition, it means a casting director or producer wants to see you in person.  Whether it was based on your headshot or résumé, it means they already think you have potential for the role. All you have to do is show them it was worth having you come in.  I know this is easier said than done, but here are 3 things you can do to increase your chances of making a good impression & landing the role: Read the rest of this entry »

The great thing about the entertainment industry is that it moves fast: You can be anywhere and a casting director or a producer can find you! Natalie Portman was discovered in a pizza parlor on Long Island… you just never know! Also, the show or project you’re working on can quickly lead to another very soon. Read the rest of this entry »

Summer is just around the corner & that means it’s internship time! Getting an internship can be very beneficial to your career if you’re thinking about working in showbiz. I’ve worked on many castings for MTV where we needed our talent or audience members to be college aged.  After the tapings, many college students approach me expressing their interest in TV production.  When people take initiative and express interest in the job at hand , I always allow them to use me as a contact for future internships. Read the rest of this entry »

New actors often ask me if I think they should try to get in with an agent or not.  And I always say, if you’re trying to go the reality-route, then no.  A lot of reality castings emphasize that they want real people.  They don’t want people who are acting.  So if you’re a new actor, but also want to apply for reality gigs, you might want to hold off on getting an agent. Read the rest of this entry »

Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Paul Newman, Ron Howard, Clint Eastwood… the list goes on and on: So many actors also double as directors. What do you want to pursue? You can do both successfully if you put your mind to it. But set aside time to start in either acting or directing. Once you’ve mastered one, move onto the next and learn both crafts to the fullest. Go for it! The sky’s the limit in showbiz!

By: Casting Director Jenny Rawdin

Changes always involve risk and are never easy.  However, if you are unhappy and not progressing toward your goals, the change may be worth the risk.  A lot of successful entertainers took risks to get where they are now.  It definitely didn’t happen by holding back or fearing change.  So how do you know if you’re ready for the change or not? Read the rest of this entry »

A lot of reality TV shows these days are featuring people who have their own business.  Whether it is a show like Pawn Stars or Millionaire Matchmaker- entrepreneurs and their employees are getting publicity through reality TV.  There are shows about tattoo shops, clothing shops, hair salons – you name it- there’s probably a show about it!  If you want to start a business, or get your existing business more exposure, you should think about reality TV as a medium for this! Read the rest of this entry »